DIRECT FROM LAS VEGAS

By Andrew Karp

All lenses have optical centers, but the optical center of the world—at least in September—was at International Vision Expo in Las Vegas. That’s where we discovered the most extensive array of new ophthalmic lenses and lens processing technology on the planet. This L&T Report brings the show’s highlights to you.

LENSES

Essilor

Personalized progressive lenses topped the list of “must see” pro-ducts at Vision Expo. Essilor’s ne-west entry in this category is Ideal Fit, a backside digital PAL solution in the Essilor Ideal family. In addition to the design benefits of the trusted Essilor Ideal brand, it provides the personalization benefits of additional measurements including pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance, and wrap angle. Along with wearer power compensation, the Essilor Ideal Fit lenses take exceptional performance to the next level for optimized visual comfort.

PFO Global

PFO Global launched a new and improved family of ‘identity’ digitally processed progressive lens designs. Improved Position of Wear Compensation, Design Shift, and Inherent Proprietary Optimization provide patients the ability to enjoy the full potential of their progressive lenses. The three lifestyle versions of identity are: Smart, Home, Play and Pro.All identity designs feature an accurate and precise Position of Wear Compensation (POW) that increases the ergonomics of the lens designs.

Carl Zeiss Vision

Carl Zeiss Vision has taken a new approach to addressing the vision needs of the Millennial generation with a new product, Zeiss Digital Lens. The free-form lens features a customized design that integrates the wide, clear distance view single vision wearers demand with a digital boost of focusing power ranging from +0.50 to +1.25. This digital viewing area is optimized for digital devices and is reached with minimal head and eye movement. Full Rx customization provides the best possible optics for each wearer. Zeiss reported that wearer trials show that the Zeiss Digital Lens reduced reported digital eye strain complaints by over 50 percent.

Rochester Optical

Another new digital lens, Smart GOLD, was introduced by Rochester Optical. (Smart GOLD is an acronym for Rochester Optical’s patented Smart Glasses Optimized Lens Designs.) Smart GOLD Lenses are custom-designed for the unique demands of using smartglasses. Each Smart GOLD lens is digitally surfaced with an additional focal point at the HUD (Heads-Up Display] according to the wearer’s Rx for their specific smart device. Smart GOLD Lenses provide wearers with clarity in viewing the HUD, reduced eyestrain and eye fatigue for maximum comfort, and the widest Rx range available; -12.00D to a +8.00D Sph. with a -4.00D Cyl. Smart GOLD for Google Glass and for the Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses are available in single vision, ST-28 and progressive.

Essilor’s Transitions

Among the new crop of photochromics are Transitions Signature VII Graphite Green lenses from Essilor. Originally designed for pilots, these adaptive lenses provide the most natural color and contrast perception in changing light conditions, according to Essilor. This new color is part of the Transitions Signature VII lenses offering recently introduced in brown and gray.

Vision-Ease Lens

Vision-Ease Lens showcased its expanded ChangeRx line, with immediate availability of new D28 bifocals and Novel (general purpose) and Novella (short corridor) progressives. The lenses complement existing SFSV and FSV/FSV AR products, offering affordable photochromics for a wider variety of prescriptions. ChangeRx D28s are available in 75 mm diameter for -10.00 to +6.50 spheres, up to -4.00 cylinder. Novel and Novella ChangeRx are available in 80 mm and 75 mm diameters respectively, for -10.00 to +6.50 spheres. Vision-Ease Lens also added clear plastic progressives to its Novel and Novella line, offering the most advanced conventional PAL technology at a superior value.

POLORIZED

Polarized sunlenses remain popular for their glare-blocking abilities, and Expo attendees saw the latest offerings from several manufacturers.

Younger Optics

Younger Optics introduced Nupolar Gradients polarized lenses for patients who desire high-efficiency polarization with a fashionable gradient. NuPolar Gradients lenses are now available in gray and brown.

To see how well NuPolar Gradients perform, use Younger’s NuPolar LED Glare Demonstrator, which creates bright glare indoors so that eyecare professionals may demonstrate the power of polarized lenses to their patients. The unit is battery operated and lights up with the push of a button.

LENS TREATMENTS

Essilor

In the area of lens treatments, Essilor introduced an improved version of its Optifog lenses. The lenses have been refreshed to make them easier to use while continuing to keep patients’ vision free from potentially dangerous fog. Patients no longer need a special liquid to activate the anti-fog property on the lenses weekly. Instead, patients will be able to clean and activate Optifog lenses at the same time with the Optifog Activator Cloth. Two options of Optifog lenses are available: Crizal Optifog lenses, which offer complete UV protection on the front and back side of the lens, reduce glare, resist scratches and repel dirt in addition to protection against fog; TD2 Optifog lenses, which resist scratches and protect against fog.